Yes the back of the bed is closed off. I just used flat sheetmetal not quite 1/8th thick and then welded angle on the top of that so I can bolt the top to that. It works great! Not to criticize your work but it looks like you welded the bed mounts to the frame...I would suggest making them removable because "You never know". Also I don't like welding ANYTHING to the frame if I don't absolutely have to. If you are like me and plan on keeping your jeep the rest of your life you will thank yourself, even if it is maybe 10 or 20 years later.

Yeah the bed is tacked on for now in the front to hold it in place. I'm going to mount it using angle iron bolted to the frame. I'm welding in the checker plate floor and didn't want the bed moving while I work on it.

As for welding to the frame, I've plated it up front to run a wagoneer power steering box and welded in new hangers to run the wagoneer axles and have partially boxed the frame. I have no qualms about welding to my frame. This jeep has been in the family since new, I'm sure with the plating I've done it'll be around for my son to enjoy.

HOW MUCH is that to ship to Hawaii!!!???

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So my T98 is not going to work I've decided. The bolt pattern is just too weird and doesn't match up with anything. So I 'm in search of a T18 or T98 that will fit my adapter or something that I can adapt to cheaply. Anybody have a good source where I can find something like that?

well i think I may have found a possibility. I found a place called jeeps unlimited located a little over an hour away. I called them and he said to bring in my adapter and we can try to match it up with something. I read a couple reviews that popped up on google when i searched for them and some of them were really bad. They said things like outrageous prices and very rude staff...anybody ever deal with this place? The guy I talked to on the phone wasn't rude but he didn't sound like he loved his job either.

Well I may have found a t18 finally...it is in a wrecked cj. It has a 304, t18 and is adapted somehow to a dana 300. Is a dana 300 the same bolt pattern as a dana 20 and dana 18? How much is a fair price for just the trans? I know I have been slacking on this project but this trans issue has just gotten me so frustrated I kinda gave up for awhile...hopefully this will light a new fire under my butt.

Well I may have found a t18 finally...it is in a wrecked cj. It has a 304, t18 and is adapted somehow to a dana 300. Is a dana 300 the same bolt pattern as a dana 20 and dana 18? How much is a fair price for just the trans? I know I have been slacking on this project but this trans issue has just gotten me so frustrated I kinda gave up for awhile...hopefully this will light a new fire under my butt.

gpets I looked at all of your pictures and i must say you did a good job! I really like your ammo can idea, I may steal that idea from you. What trans and tcase did you end up using? Which adapters did you use where? Would you suggest buying the painless wiring harness or sorting through all the factory spaghetti? I am sure I will be coming back to you for many more questions as my project is pretty similar to yours. How do you like it now that it is all said and done?

I for one am lost in this. You are going with a GM 4.3 right? And you had a T98 with a Dana 18 transfercase? The adaptor you are speaking of is the transmission to transfercase right? Now you are looking into a T18 to fit your adaptor. How are you going to mount the Ford or Jeep T18 or your T98 for that matter, to the GM bellhousing? Maybe I missed it along the way. I understand you need to keep the Dana 18 transfercase for the offset and keeping the overdrive, but have you gave much thought to using a SM420 or 465 and adapting that? It will bolt right to the GM bellhousing and is as strong as a T18 and the SM420 will have even a lower first gear. You can find them in the junk yards in Denver area for under 75.00 bucks. Check out Craigs list In Denver, I see them on there a lot. If I had the cash right now I would be all over this one.http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/2171248723.html